Barry Manilow

Despite this being a modern revival of variety at the London Palladium, the vibe of the show still skews towards the old school. Copacabana legend Barry Manilow will be hitting the hallowed stage, joined by acts including the venerable Chinese State Circus, standup comedian Pippa Evans and an exclusive performance by the newly re-formed Bananarama. Hosting duties are performed by - who else? - Bradley Walsh.

ITV likes to dust down its An Audience with... format now and again for vintage stars, and few are worthier of an old-fashioned showcase than that purveyor par excellence of the 1970s power ballad, Barry Manilow. On piano and accompanied by his own orchestra, Manilow displays fine pipes as he opens tonight's show with a rousing rendition of Could It Be Magic. He hits the high notes and emotive key changes with reasonable ease and swivels his hips impressively through Copacabana. Best glossed over are two songs from his new album and the well-rehearsed answers to soft questions lobbed from the audience, but overall his performance is as smooth as his peculiarly boyish forehead.

That's not to say it's superficial - Manilow still sings with an emotional sincerity that excites the tear ducts and brings the audience to its feet. Among the famous "Fanilows" in the audience are actress Keeley Hawes and Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, performers who were surely babes in arms when Tony first sailed across the bar to rescue Lola the showgirl. It proves that ITV isn't just tapping into the cheesy nostalgia factor with Manilow - he really does write songs that make the whole world sing.